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The Japanese Shinkansen passenger train, nicknamed the bullet train due to both its speed and its sleek silhouette, isn't the only high-speed rail system in the world, but it is among the best known. "Shinkansen" means "new trunk line" in Japanese, a trunk line being simply a major transportation line. It is intended for transporting people over long distances quickly, as opposed to shorter, slower lines intended for commuters. As such, it's a popular tourist attraction.

Construction and Operation

The Shinkansen system began operations on Oct. 1, 1964, just in time for the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. The train system encompasses 1,490 miles of track across two islands. Bullet trains run solely on electricity. The entire system closes down every day from midnight until 6 a.m. for maintenance.

Top Speeds

Japanese bullet trains can reach operating speeds of up to 170 miles per hour, with even faster speeds having been recorded in controlled tests. This puts them in the running as the fastest passenger trains in the world. Bullet trains achieve their high speeds in part because the rail lines are kept as straight as possible between stops. Despite the speed, the ride on a bullet train is quite smooth, thanks to the welding design of the rails the train runs on.

Safety and Reliability

Not a single fatal collision or derailment involving a rail passenger has occurred in the entire history of the Shinkansen line. In addition to being exceedingly safe, the bullet trains are also punctual: on the main Tokaido Line, trains usually arrive within six seconds of their scheduled time. On other lines, trains arrive within 40 seconds of their scheduled time slot.

Bullet Train Technology Abroad

Although the Shinkansen system is the first and best known high-speed rail system, and the only one known by the "bullet train" nickname, other countries have adopted the technology used by the Japanese rail lines. Taiwan was the first country to build a Shinkansen-style train line outside of Japan. Since then, Vietnam and Britain have also installed trains and train lines based on the Shinkansen model, and Brazil and India are also planning on implementing similar high-speed rail lines. Someday, there may even be a bullet train line built in the United States.

About the Author

Lori A. Selke has been a professional writer and editor for more than 15 years, touching on topics ranging from LGBT issues to sexuality and sexual health, parenting, alternative health, travel, and food and cooking. Her work has appeared in Curve Magazine, Girlfriends, Libido, The Children's Advocate, Decider.com, The SF Weekly, EthicalFoods.com and GoMag.com.